"Can I check my symptoms online?" is a common question from people who are feeling a little under the weather. Although no website can take the place of a trained medical professional, online medical resources offer instant access to detailed information about a potential illness.
Where Can I Check My Symptoms Online?
WebMD
WebMD is one of the most respected names in online health advice. The site's Symptom Checker is a comprehensive way to search for a potential diagnosis.The Symptom Checker is highly interactive. When you visit the site, you first click on the Start Now button and input your gender and age. Then you can click on areas of the body to mark where you are experiencing symptoms. Starting at general areas, such as the legs, you can select more specific areas like toes or knees. When you choose an entire area or a specific body part, you are taken to a list of possible symptoms related to that region of the body. There is also a menu with symptoms that aren't specific to a particular area of the body, such as nervousness or weight gain.
You can select multiple symptoms to create a list. You can also remove a symptom or clear your list at any time. As you click on symptoms, possible conditions appear below your list. Click on any link to learn more about the ailment. In addition, after you select an illness, you can view a complete list of symptoms and related articles, videos and images, when available.
If you already have an idea of what illness you or a loved one may be experiencing, the "Find It Fast" section on the WebMD homepage offers convenient links to common ailments, with separate tabs for men, women and children.
Healthline
The Healthline Directory of Symptoms is a comprehensive online resource. Find links to common symptoms on the homepage, or browse the directory with lists of "Symptoms A to Z" and "Symptoms by Disease". However, the easiest way to seek out a potential diagnosis is to enter one of your symptoms in the search field. As you begin to type, the interface will suggest symptoms you may be searching for. For instance, if you type in "abd", you'll receive suggestions like "abdominal tenderness" and "abdominal mass".When you select a specific symptom, you will find the following information:
- Definition
- Alternative Names
- Considerations
- Common Causes
- "Call your health care provider if…"
- What to expect at your health care provider's office
- Prevention
- References
Reading more about your symptoms can help you make a more informed decision about your healthcare needs.
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is not only a top-notch medical facility, it also provides quality online information about health issues. Browse symptoms alphabetically or use the "Symptom Checker" to view links to common symptoms. Symptoms are divided into two categories - "Adult Symptoms" and "Child Symptoms".
After you select a symptom, you are then asked to answer additional questions about it. For example, if you select "eye discomfort and redness," you will be asked to describe the nature of the discomfort, the appearance of the eye, triggers and additional symptoms. The final result is a list of possible causes. Click on the name of a condition to read more about it from Mayo Clinic's vast online medical dictionary and encyclopedia.
The next time you find yourself asking, "Can I check my symptoms online?", turn to one of the helpful resources above. Just remember that no online symptom checker can ever replace a visit to an experienced healthcare professional.
